Activities

Pilots and Demonstrations

LNG and Diesel Phase IV as Alternative Fuels for PCT Yard Tractors

Pilot 1 will test an LNG tanker in Noatum Container Terminal Valencia. This tanker will provide LNG to a yard truck prototype adapted to be powered with LNG. The LNG prototype will be compared with another yard truck prototype powered with Diesel Phase IV fuel. Both yard machines will develop the same operations in order to compare results on energy savings and reduction of GHG emissions.

LNG and Electrification as alternatives to power RTGs

The use of alternative energy sources for RTGs will be tested in Pilot 2. Electrification and LNG for RTGs will be assessed and one of these alternatives tested in this pilot that will be take place in Noatum Container Terminal Valencia. Electrification in new terminals is usually the most convenient alternative but in existing installations may present operational constraints and disruptions due to the need of transforming the yard (installation of power lines, electrical transformers, modification of existing RTGs, etc.). In this manner, a pilot case would provide valuable information about the viability of making a total or partial electrification in existing RTG terminals, which are widely present at Europe and especially in the Mediterranean.

Real Time Energy Monitoring System to Control Energy Consumption in PCT Operations

Pilot 3 will consider the design and test of an Integrated Performance Management System for Monitoring and Evaluation Container’s Terminal Energy Consumption. The idea is based on the development and implementation of an information system that would encompass energy measurements in real-time transmission to the control centre (computer server) in the Koper container terminal.

LNG and Bio-Fuels as Motorization Alternatives for Reach Stackers

A Reach Stacker vehicle will be adapted to different motorization alternatives in this pilot. Reach Stackers are among the highest power diesel motorized vehicles among the yard equipment of a container terminal and the use of alternative fuels such as LNG, Bio-Fuels or Hydrogen would consistently reduce their environmental impact.

Views of the industry on the Greencranes project

GREENCRANES evidences the awareness of the port-logistic sector about environmental sustainability. Especially in crisis times, this kind of projects are able to establish a difference in the industry competitiveness.

Technology 1: Use of LNG as Alternative Fuel

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is a suitable alternative fuel for the substitution of diesel-powered engines in port machinery (e.g. terminal tractors and reach stackers). The new machine needs to be equipped with a gas engine performing an Otto cycle and with a cryogenic tank able to provide enough autonomy to develop efficient port operations. LNG combustion reduces CO2 emissions by 25%.

Technology 2: Electrification of RTGs

RTG Electrification is a very convenient solution in “Greenfield” container terminals due to the high degree of energy efficiency and cost savings. In existing terminals, it can be also a feasible solution depending on the specific case of each installation. Two technologies can be considered: cable reel and conductor bar depending on the operative model of each container terminal.

Technology 3: Energy Management System

Energy Management comprises several methodologies to identify, measure and monitor the use of energy resources in any organization. In the case of port container terminals, energy management systems can provide significant benefits as the improvement gap in port operations is still wide. Energy Efficiency Indicators (EEI) and standards like ISO 50001 are key instruments to perform effective energy management.